North Saanich councillor Dunstan Browne wants to set the record straight when it comes to the ongoing debate over housing in his municipality and wishes to speak to a public letter written by one of his constituents.
The letter, written by Jack Thornburgh and appearing in the April 12 Peninsula News Review, was on the May 6 council agenda. Browne agreed with Thornburgh, who was at Monday night’s meeting, to move discussion to an upcoming committee of the whole session.
“I stand by my words,” Thornburgh said. “I’m not sure why council wants to discuss it, but I’m happy to hear it.”
Thornburgh’s letter outlines his feeling that council’s ongoing housing process is flawed and has not followed the district’s own process. Speaking in support of Thornburgh, David Olsen urged council to listen to people’s feedback without dragging citizens through the council agenda.
Browne has often lamented his inability to respond to criticisms of his decisions or of council in general during public meetings. He said during discussion on the letter that it’s not his intent to intimidate anyone over the matter.
“Because this is a very public issue right now, I want to remedy misinformation and misinterpretation on the issue,” Browne said.